Monday, April 13, 2015

A-Z April Challenge 2015: K for KAIKEYI AND KING DASARATHA

K for Kaikeyi
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Queen Kaikeyi’s joy knew no bounds. Her favourite Prince Ram was going to be crowned Heir to the throne of Ayodhya. She sang as she went about her duties, organising the function. She would not allow Prince Ram’s mother Kausalya to lift a finger. Kausalya and Sumitra watched in amusement as Kaikeyi went about the palace, ordering a number of maids and man-servants to do her bidding. The palace appeared like Devaloka when King Dasaratha rode on his chariot through the ornate gates, flanked by his four sons who were riding on horses. A smile broke out on the old king’s face. He knew that it was Kaikeyi who was in charge. She was the one who enjoyed the flamboyance of royal life more than anyone else.Getting out of the chariot, the king’s eyes fell on Manthara, Kaikeyi’s faithful servant. Her half-bent figure was distinct in the twilight. His instincts told him that something was afoot. He went directly to Kaikeyi’s chambers to meet his favourite queen. Kaikeyi greeted the king with a wide smile. She held out her hands to him, “Where have you been the whole day? Have you forgotten it’s our dear Ram’s coronation tomorrow? There are so many arrangements to be made.”Dasaratha smiled at her enthusiasm. Was the king expected to do the work of organising the coronation? He did not utter the words as he did not want to curb her enthusiasm.Manthara stopped outside the chambers, hiding behind a pillar, when she saw that Kaikeyi was not alone. She bided her time, waiting for the king to leave, before poisoning Kaikeyi’s mind.It was sad that all of Kaikeyi’s enthusiasm for her favourite Prince went to naught by an old maid-servant’s words. In barely a few hours, King Dasaratha found that his world had tilted on its axis. Glossary:Devaloka – Abode of the Devas (Heaven)

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

If you are familiar with Ramayana, you will know that Kaikeyi is Dasaratha's favourite queen and she adores her stepson Ram more than her own son. All that changes when her maid Manthara poisons her mind. The very next day, Dasaratha is on his death bed and Ram, Sita and Lakshman are on their way to live in the forest for 14 years. :)

I can visualize the scene so vividly, Sundari! How easily the love of a mother for her stepson gets diluted by a wicked half bent maid, the moment that turns the entire epic on its head! I love the way you have described the loving Kaikeyi!

Nicely narrated, Sundari. This is a relatively lesser known side of Kaikeyi. She was not the complete villain that she is normally portrayed to be. However, one error in judgement cost her a lot. *Shantala @ ShanayaTales*

Kaikeyi was actually one of the most brave and courageous women who fought side by side with Dasharatha. I like the way you have highlighted the goodness of her nature and the fact that she was swayed by evil.

Well written Sundari. You brought out the softer side of Kaikeyi. And it is also said that she mourned his departure the maximum. Just because Ram had given his words to his father, he did not return even when Kaikeyi begged him too. Such a waste of life but then Kaikeyi is also the trigger of Ramayana. So maybe it was meant to be.

This is why they say that we must carefully choose the company we stay in. Although, if something is meant to happen in a certain way, we end up in the company of people we would normally not associate ourselves with. Vinaashkaaley vipreet buddhi